Police investigate ‘horrific’ rape

The scene of the attack

Published:09:45Tuesday 23 February 2016

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Police are today continuing their investigations into what has been described as an ‘horrific’ early morning rape.

Residents in the Hapton and Padiham area are still coming to terms with the attack which took place around 5am at the junction of Manchester Road and Castle Clough, Hapton, yesterday. The scene was protected by a white police tent yesterday as crime scene officers attended.

The 23-year-old victim, from Burnley, is being supported by specially-trained officers while it is believed several men are being hunted by police in connection with the allegations and CCTV footage is being studied.

A police spokesman said investigations were continuing and appealed for anyone with information to contact police on 101 quoting log reference 134 of February 22.

The incident comes just weeks after the shocking gang rape of a woman in a Colne alleyway although police have stressed that it is too early to say if the two incidents are linked.